18 dead after train flips in Taiwan, in worst rail accident in 25 years

At least 18 people have died after an express train derailed and flipped over on a popular coastal tourist route in Taiwan on Sunday, the island’s worst rail accident for more than 25 years.

Images from the site showed the Puyuma Express train completely derailed and lying zig-zagged across the track in northeastern Yilan county.

Fire fighters and emergency personnel carry on rescue operations after the Puyuma Express train derailed at high speed near Xima station in Taiwan’s northeastern Yilan county on October 21, 2018. Photo: AFP/Daniel M Shih.

All of the train’s eight carriages had derailed and five had flipped onto their side near Xinma station, the railways administration said, adding that 366 people were on board the service en route to the southern city of Taitung.

“I smashed the safety glass and crawled out and I helped to pull a young man out. There was a person sitting behind me. I’m not sure she survived,” a passenger told reporters.

‘Major tragedy’

One passenger told Apple Daily Taiwan that the train had put on its “emergency brake” twice on the journey and that the electricity supply had been patchy.

Hong Kong’s broadcaster RTHK reported another passenger saying the train had been preparing to accelerate before overturning and had been shaking intensely, adding that some passengers were asleep at the time of the accident.

The defence ministry said it had sent in 120 soldiers to help the rescue.

President Tsai Ing-wen described the accident as a “major tragedy” in a Tweet Sunday evening.

Today's train accident in Yilan is a major tragedy. I have directed gvnt agencies & the military to step up rescue efforts. My thoughts are with all the victims & their families.

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